Transformed – teen devotion – March 16, 2025

One key truth: Jesus Christ is the only path to heaven for us who cannot save ourselves.

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 3:17-4:1

No Detours Allowed

When you’re little, adults love asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most kids fire back with big, exciting dreams—astronaut, NFL quarterback, famous gamer. But as you get older, the question starts to change.

Now, it’s not just what you want to be—it’s why. And too often, the answers revolve around things that only matter in this life—money, fame, success.

But here’s the thing: none of that lasts.

That’s why the apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians hit so hard:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20,21).

Think about that for a second. This world? It’s temporary. The culture around us chases self-interest, status, and instant gratification. But for those who follow Jesus, life is about something bigger.

If you believe in Christ, your future isn’t just about what career you’ll have or how much money you’ll make. It’s about where you’re headed—heaven. And the only way there? It’s not through what you do, how hard you work, or how much you achieve. It’s through Jesus.

So stand firm. Keep your eyes on the real prize—eternity, bought and paid for by Jesus’ sacrifice. Let that be the focus of your life, not just what you want to be, but who you belong to.

Prayer:
God, thank you for loving me even when I lose focus. Help me to remember that my true home is with you. Amen.